# The Revival of a Norman Barony: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Historic Recognition
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities. The recognition affirms Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, renewing a lineage extending from the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
In the esteemed pages of *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the Crown, notice was published confirming the revival of the Barony of Brattleby after a dormancy of 620 years. This announcement, appearing on 9 September 2022, was not merely a procedural entry; it represented the culmination of meticulous historical research and the formal acknowledgement of a direct continuation of one of Lincolnshire’s foundational lordships. The occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of England's deep-rooted heritage, bringing a title of considerable antiquity into the context of the twenty-first century.
The revival restores a voice to a Barony that has been silent since the late fourteenth century, ensuring its history and traditions are preserved for future generations. This moment marks a deliberate and respectful re-engagement with the past, undertaken with a profound sense of duty to both the title’s heritage and its future obligations.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s initial significance in securing the region. For over three centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were central figures in the life of the nation.
Among its most distinguished holders was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure who twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed through marriage to the Lancastrian dynasty, with Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, becoming the 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, the great medieval prince John of Gaunt, holding the title as 11th Baron. The revival under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, closes a historical parenthesis and reconnects the modern House to these influential predecessors.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the revived Barony is vested in the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby, who carry forward its legacy.
The family is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who is joined in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The future of the House and the continuation of the title are secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a feudal Barony by Tenure is a matter of considerable legal and heraldic complexity, far removed from the creation of a modern peerage. It requires the presentation of an unimpeachable documentary trail to the appropriate authorities, demonstrating an unbroken chain of title or, in this case, a legitimate claim to its revival. The process involves comprehensive genealogical and archival research, drawing upon sources such as the Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records to establish historical standing.
The formal acknowledgement is signified by the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*. This act is the *sine qua non* of official recognition, serving as a permanent and public record of the Crown’s acceptance. The language of the gazette notice is precise and declarative, reflecting its status as a document of constitutional importance and completing the formal process of bringing the dormant dignity back to life.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient maxim speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby throughout nine centuries of English history, from the martial responsibilities of Colswein of Lincoln to the steadfast loyalty of Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a guiding principle for the House’s modern activities.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit with which the House pursues its contemporary mission, blending respect for tradition with a proactive commitment to philanthropy and cultural education.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is anchored in a firm commitment to public service and charitable endeavour. The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates its principal philanthropic efforts to supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to rebuild their lives.
The House’s flagship fundraising event, the annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala held in aid of the charity. The selection of this beneficiary reflects a deeply held belief that the privileges of an ancient title come with a modern responsibility to protect and empower the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historic revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > ”To assume this title is to accept a profound responsibility. It is a commitment not only to honouring the memory of those who came before us—the soldiers, sheriffs, and statesmen—but also to ensuring their legacy of service finds new expression in our own time. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is our constant guide in this duty."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > ”Whilst our roots are firmly planted in English history, our vision is for the future. Through initiatives such as our etiquette academy in Bucharest, The Brattleby Club, and our dedicated charitable work, we aim to build cultural bridges and make a tangible, positive impact. True legacy is measured by one’s contribution to the present.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to an active and purposeful future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and duties of the Barony is a paramount priority, ensuring a seamless transition of stewardship for the next generation.
Future plans include the expansion of the House’s cultural and educational programmes and the continued digitisation and preservation of the Brattleby archives for scholarly study. The forthcoming Winter Banquet will once again convene distinguished guests in support of Healing the Wounded Child, reinforcing the philanthropic mission that stands at the very heart of the revived Barony. This work ensures the title is not a historical relic, but a living force for good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of heritage, the advancement of cultural education, and active philanthropy. Its modern mission, encapsulated by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is realised through initiatives including The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its patronage of charitable organisations. The House seeks to demonstrate how ancient titles can serve a meaningful and positive role in contemporary society by linking historical dignity with a profound commitment to public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by Tenure granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been associated with significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood Royal: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a 620-year dormancy following the tenure of John of Gaunt, the Barony was formally revived in 2022 upon its recognition being published in *The London Gazette*, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile becoming the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony's revival is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com